Amras The reaction was to be expected, but beak still clenched as the wolf began to run off with his wrist still in tow. Amras knew that most other creatures were deceptively heavy for their sizes; he'd figured that out the first time a stunned deer turned out to be not-so-stunned and took him for a short ride before he managed to put the thing down for good. That still didn't make his inability to brace himself from being carried away any easier or the punctures in his wrist hurt any less. Despite the wolf's blindness it had guessed perfectly correctly and tossed Amras directly over the lake's surface. That was it! He'd lost! The gryphon fell closer to the water's surface when in an unconscious attempt to stabilize himself he unfurled his massive wings and gave them a flap, giving him just enough lift to avoid the water's surface and take to the air. As always with his weight to wing ratio the liftoff was surprisingly quiet, allowing him to ascend with Xireidi below looking confused at the absence of a splash or a thud. Was he cheating? He hadn't specified that flying wasn't allowed. Did it really need to be stated though with his opponent having no wings? Xireidi didn’t have magic either though, and had been the one to insist that it was oaky to spar. Still this didn't seem sporting. Amras strafed around back to shore, still keeping within the glowing line once he passed over land again. In his mind he had probably lost, and he wouldn't argue it if the wolf thought so as well. Xireidi might also argue that he was acting within his abilities and rights though and see stopping now as an insult. A feeling of competitiveness rose within Amras. He didn't want to lose. If he conceded now he would definitely have lost he match but if he continued on there was still a chance that the wolf would accept his victory. Perhaps this opening would allow him to pullout a move so spectacular that Xireidi would have no choice but to call at least a tie. He'd already shown most of his hand, but there was one more trick he hadn't ever shown the wolf before. one trick he hadn't ever even tried before. The theory of the new element. With adrenaline pumping and magic coursing through his consciousness this was as good a time as any to try it. Though his wrist hurt he held out his right talon and began to gather magic in it, leaving a protective shell as though preparing for a smolder step. Energy shifted from white to pale yellow to orange as it built and twisted and intensified through the elements. Finally when the energy was as intense as he felt he could charge it before it tried to manifest on its own Amras directed the protective shell to completely envelop the energy, containing it inside. The energy strained against its new cage as he caused the barrier to shrink, moving it to the tip of two outstretched fingers to help focus the shield's integrity until finally the brilliant orange color shifted all at once to a bright yellow. The shell stabilized as the energy within seemed to stretch out into long thin lines racing around its perimeter, looking for some exit. Seeing the spell complete Amras pointed the enclosed orb toward Xireidi, took a deep breath, and attempted to manifest the tightly shaped energy. Pouch 1: Black talc stones x2 (medium) Pouch 2: Black talc dust 15 in3 Pouch 3: Quartz sphere x1 (large, soft glow) Pouch 4: Quartz spheres x10 (small) Take hold of the power within "And shape the fabric of reality around you" Tags:

Round: 4/5
Attempt: Attack with lightning
Defense: None.
Injuries: Sore chest, burnt hand, punctured wrist, wounded pride

His form had been perfect, and the gryphon's weight small enough that Xireidi was certain even if he had stopped too early his opponent would surely at least tap the water. Why then, was there no sound? Xireidi could only make guesses as his eye had not yet gotten used to the bright shine between it and the rest of the world. It wasn't until a precious few seconds later that he realized that there had been a sound, but not one that he had been expecting!

The wolf whirled around, listening intensely in all directions. How had he made such a grave miscalculation? He had just assumed that Amras was going to stay grounded, but by the sound of it that may not have been justified. While he really wanted to feel cheated it had been his own fault not to point it out when the rules were being laid down. He'd remember for next time, and then the bird wouldn't have such a handicap to fall back on.

Without warning a shock coursed through the wolf's body, causing him to seize up and hit the ground. The crazy albino! When had it arrived? How long had it been here? How had it shocked him without jumping on his back first? No, that didn't make sense... this was a similar magic to what the crazy white gembound had used, but there was no reason for it to be here. Amras had shown ability to use different elements, so perhaps it had managed to emulate the electricity that Yuma had sadistically used in the past.

Another cheap move. Impressive but cheap nonetheless. He wasn't going to let Amras get away with this! Determined fury raged within Xireidi as he sniffed the air and, even with his diminished sense of smell, managed to find the general direction the attack had come from by its trail of ozone.

He charged, listening close for even the faintest footfall of wingbeat. He would send this opponent out of the ring even if all odds were stacked against him!

---

"The words I speak"
The thoughts I hold
And the self I keep hidden away
tags:
notes: None

Round: 5/5
Attempt: Find and push Amras back
Defense: None.
Injuries: Soreness from impact, minor burns, blinded by the light, muscle spasms

Amras Amras nearly lost his composure as the spell went off beautifully. He'd done it! perhaps it had been beginners luck or perhaps all the work he'd put into his fire spell had paid off. If he hadn't discovered and strengthened his barrier technique the kind of compression of an already raging force would have never been possible. Unfortunately the wolf did not appear to share his enthusiasm, having taken the full brunt of the electrical bolt. Had he gone too far? This was a sparring match, he'd only done what had been allowed within the rules. Well perhaps bent the expectations a little but that was still fair, right? Now was not the time to consider that though; somehow Xireidi had locked onto him and was heading his way. Obviously no matter what kind of injuries he sustained the wolf was not going to give up. If they kept going at this rate he doubted they'd be able to end the match without one of them getting seriously injured. If Xireidi couldn't see the line how could he know if he'd won or lost? It had been fun but it was time to end it. Using both hands to build up raw energy Amras prepared one final dispel, not to send the wolf flying but rather to just stop him in his tracks. Then he'd have time to try to figure out how to clear its vision again and they could end the match for today. But boy did he hope he hadn't scared the wolf away from future matches. This had been about the most fun he'd ever had! Pouch 1: Black talc stones x2 (medium) Pouch 2: Black talc dust 15 in3 Pouch 3: Quartz sphere x1 (large, soft glow) Pouch 4: Quartz spheres x10 (small) Take hold of the power within "And shape the fabric of reality around you" Tags:

Round: 5/5
Attempt: Stop the wolf in his tracks
Defense: Dispel of equal and opposite force to Xireidi's charge.
Injuries: Sore chest, burnt hand, punctured wrist, wounded pride

Character: Xireidi Age: +14 Magic Level: +1 (Fledgling) ROUND 1 Attempt: +18 Penalties: 0 ROUND 2 Attempt: +6 Penalties: 0 ROUND 3 Attempt: +10 Penalties: 0 ROUND 4 Attempt: +18 Penalties: 0 ROUND 5 Attempt: +14 Penalties: 0 Total: 81

Character: Amras Age: +9 Magic Level: +3 (Pupil) ROUND 1 Attempt: +7 Penalties: 0 ROUND 2 Attempt: +15 Penalties: 0 ROUND 3 Attempt: +18 Penalties: 0 ROUND 4 Attempt: +20 Penalties: 0 ROUND 5 Attempt: +10 Penalties: 0 Total: 82

WINNER: Amras
What a close spar!

As Xireidi reached the end of his charge he felt a wave of force push back at him like a blast of wind. Try as he might to push through and connect with the opponent on the other side his momentum had already been lost. It hadn't been powerful enough to throw him back so he braced himself for the follow up attack that would surely come, ready to either counter or try to reduce the damage taken depending on its nature.

No attack came though, leaving him standing there braced for impact in front of his opponent. Were they charging up for something even more powerful? If he'd considered that before he should have tried to rebuild momentum and press the attack rather than waste precious seconds on defense.

"Okay, that's enough. I'll give you this round" he spoke aloud, hopefully soon enough that whatever attack was being prepared would be able to be halted. "Guess I should have been expecting that difficult of a match"

Technically he probably could still fight, but with his eye still not adjusting to be able to see past the glowing lens he would be at a severe disadvantage from this point on.

---

"The words I speak"
The thoughts I hold
And the self I keep hidden away
tags:
notes: None

Amras Only now that the last attack had been flung did Amras realize just how winded he was. Even if he hadn't had to exert as much physical force as the wolf had using movement and magic and trying to concentrate all at the same time was more taxing than he had thought it would be. Luckily as he had hesitated for a couple seconds after stopping Xireidi's attack the wolf did not try to double down on the assault but instead went ahead and backed down. Surprising, but fortunate. "It was a close one though, I was certain I'd lost when you managed to throw me." he said between labored breaths. How was Xireidi not completely exhasted after all that? He seemed to be breathing a bit deeper than normal but despite everything looked ready to keep going. Amras noted that he'd have to try to avoid any battles of attrition with this wolf. "Here, let me see if I can get rid of that white line on your face." he added, wanting to make sure he didn't get bitten again when he touched the wolf. The gryphon folded his wings once more and fell to forelimbs as he approached Xireidi. Theoretically he had created the lines, so if he just used the spell with intention he might be able to erase them? Amras brought three fingers on his right hand together and lightly touched Xireidi on the side of his face, beginning the build phase for his spell. His fatigue got the better of him though, and as he began to shift his concentration to twisting part of the energy his hold on the structure fell apart, resulting in all the magic manifesting at once. A soft shockwave exploded outward, ruffling Xireidi's fur and sending his head reeling to the side as though he'd gotten slapped. "Sorry! Sorry!" Amras exclaimed immediately in a panic. "I still seem to be a bit tired, the spell got away from me." Pouch 1: Black talc stones x2 (medium) Pouch 2: Black talc dust 15 in3 Pouch 3: Quartz sphere x1 (large, soft glow) Pouch 4: Quartz spheres x10 (small) Take hold of the power within "And shape the fabric of reality around you" Tags:

Xireidi relaxed as Amras confirmed that the match was over, sounding very winded as he spoke. Had it been that intense? Sure the exchanges of blows had been pretty major, more so than he'd initially expected, but he was no more fatigued than he'd normally be after the first quarter of his run. Training seemed to have been working out for him then!

Knowing now that there was no more fear of an attack the wolf sat up straight, not even wincing as he felt the strange taloned hand brush upon his face. To be quite honest the light was starting to hurt a bit. He had no clue how long it would last and his sense of direction was completely out of tune by this point.

The sensation of magic right next to his fur was a bit unnerving but he stayed perfectly still, not wanting to throw off Amras's concentration. Unfortunately this didn't seem to be enough, as the spell fizzled out of control and a dull thud sent his head reeling to the right.

A sense of rage threatened to take hold, but the gryphon's quick apology prevented him from interpreting the failure as another cheap attack. By the sound of the gryphon's breath it probably was. He probably had used up all his concentration in the battle. No need to get mad, no need to accuse, just give him time to get his bearings together. Distrust would accomplish nothing, least of all getting this light out of his eye.

"Getting in one more good blow are you?" he remarked in a jesting tone, his words as much for himself as the mage. "Take a rest if you need. I can hold up here for a while and would rather not have my face burnt off with another mishap."

---

"The words I speak"
The thoughts I hold
And the self I keep hidden away
tags:
notes: None

Amras Still a bit flustered from his botched attempt Amras sat down and took a few deep breaths, waiting for his heart rate to slow back down to a normal level. As much work as he had put into perfecting its usage, magic was inherently a chaotic thing. From the most basic blunt shockwave to the intricate shaping involved with his new bolt spell there was always a chance somewhere for the energy to jolt in an unexpected direction and escape outwards. Luckily when magic failed it was usually only on a small scale, resulting in a shower of sparks or a weak gust of force. Sometimes though it failed catastrophically, and those were the times he really had to watch out for. At least a couple times during his training the magic surged unexpectedly and covered his entire form in a fire that might have been dangerous had he not been near a lake. Such extreme incidents were rare though, nowhere near frequent enough to discourage his pursuit of the craft. His heart calmed now Amras brought his hand up again, this time keeping it a short distance from Xireidi before he even started to build the magic. The spell started up fairly well, but with the adrenaline of battle wearing off the pain in his wrist was really starting to become noticeable. Without wasting a second Amras brought the spell over and tapped Xireidi on the cheek again, willing the existing line to fade away into full transparency. Technically there was still magic embedded there and would be for a few days, but now it produced no color or light that would interfere with the wolf’s vision. While he would have like to have done the treatment on the rest of the line the gryphon decided to withdraw the spell once the area directly around Xireidi's eye had been affected. He wasn't about to risk more than that at the moment. "That should do for now." he said with some relief. "How are you feeling?" Pouch 1: Black talc stones x2 (medium) Pouch 2: Black talc dust 15 in3 Pouch 3: Quartz sphere x1 (large, soft glow) Pouch 4: Quartz spheres x10 (small) Take hold of the power within "And shape the fabric of reality around you" Tags:

Any lingering resentment Xireidi may have had over the final events of the battle evaporated as soon as the veil lifted and he could see the concerned look on the gryphon's face. This was not the face of one who took secret delight in causing harm but one of genuine care and vague embarrassment. There was no way he could harbor any hard feelings, the battle had been as intense as they'd allowed and the failed spell was just that- a botched attempt.

"Pretty good except for a bit of soreness and some charred fur." he replied in a light tone, turning his head in various directions to instinctively look for the source of the remaining light. It seemed the light wasn't completely gone but at least there was relieving darkness when he closed his eye now. "I didn't realize you were making flammable dust in those mounds, was that intentional?"

Xireidi ceased looking around and stretched out a limb, feeling the last of the spasms from the electrical attack work their way out. He would definitely have to keep that in mind next time they had a match. As much as he'd gotten roughed up he did still hope they would spar gain in the future, this was an opponent that had a plethora of advantages over him and he wanted to have the chance to figure out how to counter them. Of course Amras would certainly start adapting to his fighting style as well so it would likely be an arms race between the two from here on.

Much better than running through the caves alone.

---

"The words I speak"
The thoughts I hold
And the self I keep hidden away
tags:
notes: None

Amras The gryphon's expression of relief deepened as Xireidi's face softened, restoring some of the youthful attitude he had shown before. He'd been worried that he'd gone much too far, that he'd lose a potential friend because of the spar. Instead Xireidi seemed to be taking it all in stride. "I'm honestly as surprised as you are about the dust. I thought once wood burned it wouldn't burn again. I made the mounds to act as another layer of difficulty to overcome in my spell but it seems they have properties other than just making the wood harder to ignite." There was a pause in the conversation as Amras considered all the possible explanations. The wood was blackened, but a much darker color than he was used to ash looking. In addition with the exception of the black wood that got crushed into a powder when Xireidi and the force of the dispel crashed into it most of it was still in whole pieces. Were the large chunks flammable as well or just the powder? He'd have to do some more research on that later on. But first to attend to some of the wounds he'd incurred. This could be a good example of what non-combat things magic could do if he managed to pull it off without failing like he had a moment ago. Holding his forelimb in a manner Xireidi could see it Amras began to channel raw energy into the puncture wounds in his wrist and burns on his palm. This spell was one that required almost no shaping in the traditional sense, but just the barest grasp of magic and pure intention. It was a wonder he'd taken so long to stumble upon it, but as simple as it was it did require a slightly different way of looking at the basis for weaving a spell. The pain in his wrist began to dull as the wounds closed themselves, still visible in his flesh for now but no longer causing so much discomfort. The burns on the front of his talon started to fade, leaving only a patch of discolored skin that would heal over the next few days on their own. "Unfortunately this is magic that can only be used on one's self. You should be able to do it if you try, but first you have to get used to the presence of magic itself." Pouch 1: Black talc stones x2 (medium) Pouch 2: Black talc dust 15 in3 Pouch 3: Quartz sphere x1 (large, soft glow) Pouch 4: Quartz spheres x10 (small) Take hold of the power within "And shape the fabric of reality around you" Tags: